Nationals mark season opener with pageantry celebrating America’s pastime

Optimism filled the Navy Yard air on Thursday as the Washington Nationals pumped up the pageantry for their season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The hoopla may not have helped on the scoreboard — the powerful Bryce Harper-led Phillies ended up winning, 7-3 in extra innings. But for one sunny afternoon, the uncertainty haunting a city rocked by federal layoffs faded just a bit, as fans gathered at Nationals Park for hotdogs, foul balls and cold brews.

The ceremonies, from the fireworks to the red-carpet player introductions, added to an upbeat atmosphere.

The festivities began hours before the 4 p.m. first pitch. Many fans skipped work to flock to the Navy Yard as early as 9 a.m. to mark the occasion.

Curly “W” hats joined an ocean of red, white and blue jerseys that flowed in and out of the neighborhood’s restaurants and bars.

The unofficial start of summer and the inherent optimism associated with opening day were reasons enough to celebrate.

Before the ballpark’s gates opened, the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses took a tour of the Navy Yard and camped outside center field to take pictures with fans.

Behind them, a pair of city fire trucks united to hang a jumbo-sized American flag from their towers at the end of Half Street.

“It’s a brand new start, lots of optimism,” Nationals season-ticket holder Greg Ramsey said ahead of the game. “The added stuff just makes it fun.”

Center fielder Jacob Young said his family was likely among the pregame revelers.

Young, who was a Gold Glove finalist as a rookie last year, had plenty to celebrate. The speedy outfielder was one of nine Nationals making his first opening day appearance on an MLB roster.

“There’s some butterflies, as there always is at the start of the season, but a lot of excitement,” Young said. “It really comes down to all the work that you’ve done during the offseason. It’s all coming into one thing, and everyone, at this point, has a chance.”

He was joined in the Nationals outfield by rising stars James Wood and Dylan Crews.

“It’s something that you dream of,” Crews said. “You only have so many of these special days right here, so we’re going to go out there and enjoy every single day.”

Crews, also an MLB opening day first-timer, said he was surprised by the holiday atmosphere.

He didn’t know that four F-16 jets would fly over the stadium or that the Budweiser Clydesdales would join the party, or that Mayor Muriel Bowser would be on hand with wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista.

“We’re very excited to get going here. Honestly, I didn’t even know that was happening,” the right fielder said. “We’re just worrying about what’s going on inside the clubhouse.”

Manager Dave Martinez didn’t try to shelter his young core of players from the added spotlight. The 60-year-old said they should enjoy it — he still gets butterflies himself ahead of the season opener.

“My biggest thing was telling them, ‘You’ve been doing this a long time. We all played the game as kids. Go out there and be a kid again today,’” Washington’s skipper said before the game. “Hopefully the butterflies fly in the right direction.”

Fans said the extra razzle-dazzle is what makes the day special.

“Total excitement and enthusiasm,” said Cindy Cutright, who has attended every home opener since Nationals Park came on line in 2008.

“It just contributes to the atmosphere. It’s a whole party; everybody’s in a good mood, and you forget about everything else for a day.”

Visitors lined up and lifted their phones to get photos of the Clydesdales. Parents and their children patted each other’s shoulders and pointed to the sky as the fighter jets flew overhead. Countless cinephiles and wrestling fans excitedly leaned over to their seatmates as Bautista led a “Let’s go Nats” chant.

“Seeing everybody come together, I think the vibes are just great in general,” Nationals fan Miller Brown said. “All the festivities are important to the overall mood. You’ve got the flyover, the big American flag; it’s a good way to get people together.”

Optimism was the word of choice for fans of both squads. From the extended player introductions to the ceremonial first pitch from longtime sports writer Thomas Boswell, the stands buzzed with anticipation.

For a team like the Nationals, long shots to contend for a pennant, Thursday might well end up being the happiest day of the season.

“Everybody thinks that this is going to be their year,” said longtime fan Gene Cutright. “So, we’re looking forward to it.”

The game started ideally for Nationals fans like Cutright. Left-hander Mackenzie Gore threw a gem, allowing just one hit and no runs with a career-high 13 strikeouts, setting a new opening day record for the Nationals in six innings.

Phillies starter Zach Wheeler also impressed on the mound, holding eight Nationals without hits. Catcher Keibert Ruiz gave him problems, though. After a third-inning single, the catcher returned to the plate in the fifth looking to make a mark.

He did.

Ruiz fouled off eight straight pitches during the battle, working a full count as he waited for his opportunity. He found it and sent the ball into the bullpen in right field for a solo home run, giving the Nationals a 1-0 lead.

Wheeler left the game after pitching six innings, recording eight strikeouts, two walks and the two hits to Ruiz.

Washington’s lead wouldn’t last. Reliever Lucas Sims replaced Gore on the mound, allowing a solo home run to the second batter he faced: Harper. The former National received an onslaught of boos as he rounded the bases.

Reliever Jose Ferrer replaced him two batters later, promptly allowing another solo home run to designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Philadelphia took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the seventh.

Phillies left fielder Max Kepler scored on a wild pitch to extend the lead in the eighth.

Down by 2 with two innings remaining, Washington received some assistance from Philadelphia reliever Jordan Romano. The right-hander struggled with command, walking Crews and hitting Young with a pitch to start the bottom of the eighth.

After a double steal, the outfielders both scored to tie the game at 3.

A scoreless ninth inning sent the game to extra innings. A double by Philadelphia third baseman Alec Bohm scored two runners — including Harper — to give the visitors a lead. Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto sealed the win with a two-run triple just two batters later.

The two teams will continue the season-opening series at Nationals Park on Saturday.